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Anxiety is a Gift
[Guest Post by Teri Antti] – Anxiety is a Gift? Yes! A Blessing! I once read that true peace can only be sustained when what you say, what you believe and what you do are all the same thing. At the time I read this anonymous quote, my thoughts, beliefs and actions were as far from being aligned as you could possible imagine. I was in a season during which my anxiety was at an all time high. I could not leave my house. Fear had found its way into every ounce of my being. I was rapidly loosing the confidence to even parent my three daughters. I had a…
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On Depression: Overcoming Low Self Esteem
[Guest Post by Tara Burke] – I struggled with depression during my teenage years — I felt that I had nothing to show for my life; nothing to offer anyone. While recently at a seminar for performing arts and missions, one seminar attendee asked the question of how to check one’s pride when receiving accolades and attention. This question stirred another one in me–what about when someone’s pride isn’t the issue? What about when the issue is whether they are any good at all? While I kept a happy face, I never told anyone how I really felt. I felt like a failure–a Christian wasn’t supposed to be depressed! All…
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On Anxiety: Why I Overeat
As long as I can remember I’ve had anxiety, which is why I overeat. In Junior High, my parents took me to doctor after doctor and they all agreed–I had hypoglycemia. The solution was to carry around extra snacks or protein with me to stabilize my blood sugar when it dipped. The problem was it dipped often. No matter how much food I ate I was always hungry. Day after day, I prayed to God and asked him to stop my hunger. When eating higher amounts of food didn’t work–I became even more anxious. I was afraid to eat because I didn’t want to get fat. Even as a young…
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On Writing: Interview with Jeff Goins
I wasn’t going to post this week since I started working on my fourth manuscript, but was delighted to hear from Jeff Goins. This month’s series on writing was all about helping new authors learn to Start Writing Now #StartWritingNow. Also, if you missed the series, I posted an easy way to view all of them on Pinterest. I hope this month’s series has been encouraging–and I wanted to say thanks again to all those who contributed. You are a blessing to me. Here is my recent interview with Jeff Goins on the subject of writing. “What would you say are the five most important tips to starting a writing…
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On Writing: Can You Still Pay The Rent (and Utilities)?
[Guest Post by Allison Vesterfelt] – A few years ago I quit my job because I wanted to write a book. A book. I write it that way because that’s how I saw it in my mind. So much drama, so much mystery. Writing a book (you have to say it that way if you want to understand) was going to be the best thing I had ever done in my life. Quitting my job happened because someone asked me this question: “What would you do with your life if you didn’t have to worry about money?” My answer to the question was, obviously, that I would travel across the country…
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Inauguration Day 2013
[Monthly Columnists – Hannah Stovall] – Starting this January, I am introducing a few new monthly columnists who will be guest blogging on a monthly basis. Hannah actually asked me! At first I was hesitant because she didn’t yet know all the details, but once I told her–she was in! I love a brave woman. A woman who asks for what she wants–so Hannah, surprise! I look forward to her sharing monthly about pop culture and events through the eyes of a 20-something and what they can mean to all. Please welcome her! Inauguration Day 2013 was a big day. It was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; my nephew, Caleb,…
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How to Start Journaling
Here are a few tips on how to start journaling daily. First, watch the video and then read the tips! 1. Start with, “Dear God” instead of “Dear Journal” or “Dear Diary.” As I said in the video, life is busy and there isn’t a lot of time to write fluffy things or draw hearts and rainbows in your journal. Use your journal instead to be intentional during your quiet time or devotional time with God. 2. Journaling Brings Healing I didn’t start out to be a writer or published author. In fact, I wanted to be a high school math teacher (algebra). It’s kind of cool to look back…
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Start Writing Now Synchroblog
I’m asking you to share tips on how to start writing now through Thursday the 24th. As a full time writer and published author of three books, I know what it takes to get published. I also know that I didn’t get to be published without the help of writing mentors, encouraging family members, and online friends. I’ve also had the privilege of launching new and promising writers myself. Some old. Some new. My favorite part about being in the writing and publishing business is being able to pass along wisdom. Because no writer is an island. This is where you come in! I am looking for YOUR writing tips.…
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Quarter Life Conference
“You want whom to come speak at your church, and you’re willing to pay how much to get this person there?” Each time the phone would ring I knew exactly who they were asking for and why. My only problem? Said Christian celebrity wouldn’t speak for less than a certain amount and a certain-sized church. I didn’t have the heart to tell Mr. Small Town Pastor he couldn’t afford said celebrity Christian to come speak at his church. No matter how touching a story–and there’s always a story–churches across America are looking for ways to reach out to their community. I know this because I booked 300+ events at churches,…
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How To Find Your Writing Voice
[Monthly Columnist – Rebekah Snyder] – Starting this January, I am introducing a few new monthly columnists who will be guest blogging on a monthly basis. I asked Rebekah because we share a common writing friend-Sarah Martin. Like me, Rebekah was home schooled and also wrote a book on dating. Even though we have never met, when I think of her I envision the next “Devotional Diva.” She just has this amazing spirit and doesn’t mind (might I say enjoys) being challenged–my kind of girl. Please welcome her! I didn’t always think my voice was beautiful. Not my singing voice. There was never any question that I had my mother’s…
